Teaching From Rest - A Book Review

I'll never forget when I stumbled upon The Read Aloud Revival on iTunes.  I had searched the term homeschooling, wanting something to listen to that would push me through the lack of motivation I was feeling. I listened to the first podcast and was hooked. 

That was less than six months ago!

I have since listened to most of the Read Aloud Revival podcasts.  I have read many blog posts on Sarah Mackenzie's blog, Amongst Lovely Things Recently, I purchased a copy of the book Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakeable Peace.

I finished the book a few minutes ago.  Sarah Mackenzie, the author, also writes for Amonst Lovely Things and is the voice behind the Read Aloud Revival pocast.  The book isn't overly long, and yet it was encouraging for this homeschool mom. 

I gathered many little nuggets in my reading of Teaching from Rest.  I liked many of the ideas.  However, the biggest encouragement I found was not really a tip or a way to make homeschooling more efficient. Sarah Mackenzie talked about thinking about a couple things that I never had thought about before I opened Teaching from Rest. She talked about creating an environment in which I, mother and teacher, could thrive.  

Me?

After spending years researching how children learn, how to best teach to different ways of learning, methods, ideas, philosophies... I didn't put myself in the equation much.  But then I read, "To become peaceful and happy, you've got to figure out what's true about you. What creates an environment in which you can thrive?"

How many times have I felt on the edge of burnout?  I would dive into a curriculum, full force, and give it my all, only to be exhausted after a few weeks.  When faced with unforeseen circumstances, and there have been many (unemployment, health issues, financial setbacks, vehicle problems, mold in a house, etc), I would toss up my hands in despair and use a self-paced, don't need a lot from Mom curriculum. I would use one curriculum to help a child with one learning issue, and then be totally discouraged and defeated when it wasn't the miracle cure I had hoped.  

It opened my eyes a bit to truly think about what helps me thrive as a homeschooling mom. 

Sarah made another point when she discussed what she wanted her children to say in twenty years when asked how they liked homeschooling.  I never thought of that either.  Would my kids say they hated it? Would they talk about the lessons they learned? The curriculum?

I want them to talk about learning together every morning about the Lord.  I want them to remember the awesome books we read.  I want them to remember that, yes, I pushed them at times in skills and subjects where they struggled, and they learned they could do hard things. I want them to remember the laughter around the table as crazy answers were given or mom mispronounced a word. I don't even mind if they remember the boring documentaries that one child lived and another hated, because they did it together. 

I think I'm on the right path. After eight years of homeschooling, I am learning about what makes me thrive.  I am okay cutting things and simplifying and smiling more.  

Savor more.

Two of my daughters have grown and married.  I am expecting my first grandchild! Another daughter graduates this year. My next daughter has only two years of high school left.  My baby turns nine this month.  Yes, I love the thought of savoring more. I love the thought of holding the moments, that fly by so quickly, close to my heart. 

I will definitely reread Teaching from Rest every so often.  It is such an encouraging book! Thank you, Sarah Mackenzie, for writing the lessons you have learned and sharing with the rest of us.